Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread but intimidated by the thought of kneading and shaping dough? Fear not! This cinnamon bread maker recipe is designed for effortless baking, delivering a perfectly spiced, moist loaf with minimal effort. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings, providing a delicious homemade treat without the fuss. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, making homemade cooking accessible to everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready to use. Add the warm water to the pan, followed by the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast, which is crucial for a successful rise.
Adding the Ingredients:
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Add the salt, egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture.
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Add 3 cups of the all-purpose flour to the bread machine pan.
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In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar. If using nuts, add them to this mixture as well.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar-flour mixture evenly over the ingredients already in the bread machine pan.
Baking the Bread:
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Select the "dough" cycle on your bread machine. Allow the machine to mix and knead the dough according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Once the dough cycle is complete, select the "bake" cycle. The baking time will vary depending on your machine, typically ranging from 45-60 minutes.
Cooling and Serving:
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Once the baking cycle is finished, carefully remove the loaf from the bread machine pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
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Slice and serve your delicious cinnamon bread warm with a pat of butter, a cup of coffee or tea, or enjoy it as a delightful snack throughout the day.
Tips for Success:
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is the correct temperature. Water that is too hot will kill the yeast, resulting in a flat loaf.
- Flour Consistency: The amount of flour might need slight adjustment depending on the humidity and the type of flour used. You may need to add a tablespoon or two more if the dough is too sticky, or a little less if it's too dry.
- Even Baking: For even browning, lightly grease the bread pan before adding the ingredients.
Variations:
- Raisins and Cranberries: Add ½ cup of raisins and/or cranberries to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Delight: Incorporate other warming spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a richer flavor profile.
- Glaze it Up: Once cooled, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream over the bread for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your loaf and the specific ingredients used. However, a rough estimate per slice is:
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 1-2g
This simple cinnamon bread maker recipe is a delightful addition to any meal or snack time. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade baking with minimal effort. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe!